I love working with artists on interesting concepts and creative new content and so, I teamed up with Kashmir Asvaraksh for this MODERN Kabuki inspired shoot, with TBW (The Beauty Within) model Elizabeth Bennett.
The focus was the origami-esque hair and color spash of makeup....
Shot on location at Viselli Santoro Salon, in Boston, MA
HAPPY JULY 4TH!
I had the pleasure of working with Maggie Inc.'s Rachel Donnellan on this summer-inspired editorial shoot for July 4th!
Come along with us as Rachel, with curls in her hair and a sun-kissed glow, becomes one with nature in the cool shade of the lush ivy walls of Boston.
Ending the day with a vanilla cone from Frosty's Ice Cream Truck at the Public Garden is the right thing to do!
Hope everyone has a safe and happy long weekend!!!
Hair and makeup by Kashmir Asvaraksh. Flower halo by Wild Folk Studio.
Nothing feels more glamorous than getting your hair did and your makeup done, am I right? With one of my personal favorites, Laura Mercier, it's easy to get glammed up and feel put together without feeling like the makeup is caked on.
At Neiman Marcus, Laura Mercier experts pampered some ladies with lovely colors for summer, while hair stylists amped up their hair!
I recently photographed the beautiful "A" who wanted a boudoir session to gift to her man. Looking radiant, with hair and makeup by Latha Ramakrishnan, this girl BROUGHT IT.
Click through for more, (not suitable for work)....
It was an absolute dream to visit The Boston Ballet for a behind the scenes look at the new costumes and production opening on November 23.
What a marvel to view the craft and intricate handiwork of the costumes in the costume shop and speak to costume shop manager Charles Heightchew. 2,000 yards of net and tulle along with cottons, silks and linens were some of the materials used, with extensive hand painting (award-winning costume designer Robert Perdziola hand tipped every Sugar Plum and Snow Queen tutu with metallic paint) and jewels (as many as 200,000) individually sewn on with 3,600 jewels alone for the Sugar Plum's and Dew Drop's costumes.
The creative team wanted to keep the dancers' silhouettes streamlined and control the color palette in Act I in an early 19th century inspired way. Act II showcases a burst of color as we saw during the dress rehearsal, where the costumes were tested for the very first time.
Creative Director Mikko Nissinen tells us that the set design was inspired by "18th century Prague with the use of flats with everything hand-painted to incredible detail and resembling a puppet theatre". As the play goes on, layers of of the story unfold, irising out of one another.
Robert Perdziola on Mikko Nissinen:
"We needed a strong Captain and needed to abide by that. Mikko is the Captain!"
It was a magical day at the ballet; very Degas-esque for me! I can't wait for what promises to be an extravanganza of a production, the biggest show the Boston Ballet has built in over a decade!
The Nutcracker runs from November 23 - December 30 at the Boston Opera House. For tickets visit BostonBallet.org
I had the honor of meeting and photographing the iconic Donna Karan, thanks to commissioned coverage for Saks Fifth Avenue, this Fall. I was delighted to cover the opening reception party for her luxurious designer shop in the newly remodeled space for modern and contemporary fashion.
In grand company, Ms. Karan was welcomed by Stephen Sadove, CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue, Gretchen Pace, VP General Manager, Jennifer De Winter, VP of Stores at Saks Fifth Avenue as well as other friends and guests.
To me, Donna Karan has always represented the modern woman; the strong woman. Her Fall 2013 collection is no different. Built upon her first stand-out collection of seven easy pieces and also influenced by her late husband Stephan Weiss' sculptures, the pieces are sensual and sculptural, working together by addition or subtraction.
Of course, I wore her clothes, and loved capturing the essence of the collection up close, each piece is beautiful, timeless and powerful, just like the woman herself...
Sometimes you meet a person at just the perfect time in your life.
For me this person is Alaina, a freelance writer, who recently moved to Boston and contacted me for a fashion and lifestyle shoot for the launch of her new blog So Alaina.
The day before the shoot, we met for tea and hit it off! I couldn't believe we hadn't met before!
Since then, we've been to yoga together and jogged umbrella-less through Back Bay in search of smoothies.
Our stages in life, love for travel and support for the Bruins (a topic of many a conversation) are just a few of the similarities we both share, so without further ado, allow me to introduce you to the beautiful, warm and bubbly Alaina!
i just moved here in december. but my dad has lived here for a decade, and i've been visiting for that long. i used to spend my summers poolside in his old house in melrose.
Danielle of Story of Style is one of the first bloggers I met in Boston. I love her vivacious, warm personality and cool girl vibe! She was also one of the first fans of my photography, and we both share our love for the Big Apple!
Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled to photograph her recently, before her big move back to New York City!
We were supposed to meet last week on Monday April 15, but we all know how that day panned out.
So, with a beautiful Spring day in Boston this past weekend, we were able to shoot at The Liberty Hotel and in and around Beacon Hill.
Here, some of my favorites....
Since moving to Boston last year and shooting at Boston Fashion Week, I've wanted to meet fashion photographer Tracy Aiguier, who I'd heard so much about. Yesterday, I was lucky to meet her at the Museum of Fine Arts for her fashion photography demonstration.
Tracy went through a series of four fashion shoots with models Sherika Pitsch and Nicole Hoehle, with makeup and hair by Mariolga Pantazopoulos, and was assisted by photographer Feda Eid. All the looks sported were from the School of Fashion Design - we loved the LBD with the pockets designed by the model who sported the look herself!
Lighting techniques varied from soft boxes to a massive parabolic to some back lighting to enhance the clothing's texture and detail. Tracy also invited volunteers to come up and try their hand at a few shots (and with some persuading from Lei Ann, I did - thank you Lei Ann (on duty) for capturing me in action!)
It was so nice to hear Tracy speak about her love for fashion and photography, how some things have changed in the industry with the rise of digital formats (cameras, iPhones, Instagram), young people who shoot for free and how sometimes it doesn't matter how you get the shot as long as you get it, which is something I believe in, myself.
It was a terrific demo at the MFA, thanks Tracy! And it was nice to see some familiar faces like Jay Calderin, Eric Levin, and to hang out with friends Lei Ann, Nicolle and Helena.
Tracy Aiguier will be doing another fashion photography demo on Wednesday November 14 from 5:30pm-8pm at the Druker Family Pavilion, and if you're going to the MFA, be sure to check out the Mario Testino exhibit while you're there!
Jay Calderin takes a photo of the team for this.
I am BEYOND thrilled about Mario Testino's exhibits "In Your Face" and "British Royal Portraits" at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts! I have been a fan of this Vogue and Vanitfy Fair photographer for so long that I couldn't even believe this exhibit was in town. When I was invited to go to the press preview yesterday, I was blown away, so thank you Sami for bringing me along! Sami, Lei Ann and I had a spot of tea beforehand to get into the spirit of things.
"In Your Face" is provocative, rich, seductive, inspiring, elegant and iconic all at once, a feast for the senses. Even the installation itself, with the subtle emanation of light around each photo frame against the teal blue wall, creates an engaging "window" for us to peek into. It's visually appealing, shameless yet compelling. Each photograph is more surreal than the last; the next more aesthetically pleasing than even possible!
Testino's work spanning 30 years, is a showcase of celebrities and models and offers us a glimpse into their world, but doesn't stop there, sometimes revealing the most daring and private of encounters, all blatantly exposed in celebration of beauty and fashion.
In contrast there are the "British Royal Portraits" a complete juxtaposition of worlds. Here we have the very private lives of the Royal Family presented in a touching, classy and completely honorable manner. It is perhaps one of the most striking exhibits I've ever encountered, for these are a few of the most famous images the world has ever seen. Quite literally took my breath away.
To experience such a rich, contemporary and CURRENT photography exhibit as Testino's is a chance of a lifetime. It was truly an honor listening to him speak a few feet away and then to meet him after? I can't even.....
Thank you to Malcolm Rogers, Karen Frascona, Anne Havinga, Julie Frey and everyone at the MFA Boston who've made this exhibit possible!
"Mario Testino: In Your Face", Ann and Graham Gund Gallery from October 21, 2012, to February 3, 2013
"Mario Testino: British Royal Portraits", Herb Ritts Gallery from October 21, 2012, to June 16, 2013
Renata taking a photo!
MFA Curator Anne Havinga giving an interview in front of "Karlie Kloss, Bao Bao Wan & Shaolin Monks, Beijing, 2011, American Vogue"
L: Louise Pederson & Adam Senn, Los Angeles, 2002, Gucci Spring/Summer 03 | R: Kate Moss, London, 2011, British Vogue
Gemma Ward, Los angeles, 2004, Vogue Paris
Hana Soukupova, Los Angeles, 2003, Gucci Spring/Summer 04 | Carolyn Murphy, Cap d'Antibes, 1999, American Vogue | Brad Pitt, Prague, 2007, V magazine
Madonna, Miami, 1998, Ray of Light Album
Patricia Schmid, London, 2005, British Vogue | Lady Gaga, New York, 2009, V magazine
Angelina Jolie, Los Angeles, 2004, Allure | Lara Stone, Paris, 2007, British Vogue
Diana, Princess of Wales, London, 1997, Vanity Fair
TRH The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, London, 2010, Engagement Portrait | TRH The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, London, 2010, Official Engagement Portrait
HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH Prince William & HRH Prince Harry, London, 2004, Personal Work
HRH Prince William & HRH Prince Harry, London, 2005, 21st Birthday Portrait
Mario Testino during his Q&A segment, my favorite part was when he compared being a photographer to being a cowboy and having to draw the "gun at a speed where you don't die", reminiscing about his time on the bus with his friend growing up, when he (who'd always sit by the window) would see something fly by and nudge his friend, but by the time his friend looked, the moment was gone.
Mario Testino with Helena (L) and Ben (R)
Mario Testino with Malcolm Rogers, Ann and Graham Gund Director Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
25 years ago, today, my Father passed away.
To celebrate his life, I want to share some of his magnificent style. I've shown you some of his tailoring before, but what you may not know is that he was an architect, an interior designer and a photographer. He loved tailoring his own clothes and keeping on trend with menswear as well as hair styles.
Here are some memories of him, but let's not forget my gorgeous Mom who's not to shabby herself! The cutie at the end is my sister (aww!)
Everyone always gasps and picks up their cameras when they see the iconic blue jacket with Bill Cunningham in it, at fashion week.
I, was no different. Remember last time?
Spotted on Lincoln Road, Miami, FL
We're so grateful to the Fontainbleau Hotel in Miami for generously donating a giant box of their luxurious Lapis Spa travel size shampoos, conditioners, body washes, lotions and soaps for us to give to the Nashua Soup Kitchen.
Our sincere and heartfelt thanks go out to the wonderful staff at the Fontainbleau for being so generous to our cause.
Last week, my sister, niece and I were excited to check out the unveiling of David Yurman's Fall 2012 Collection at Lux Bond & Green. The line will only be available for purchase in September, so it was nice to get a sneak peek. Thank you to Shauna, Sheryl, Trevor, Judy and Denise and everyone at Lux Bond & Green for the invitation and for graciously assisting us in trying out all the beautiful David Yurman jewellery!
It was lovely to see some of my favourite Boston Bloggers: Julie, Khatu, Lani and Hannah and I got to meet Amanda, Chelsea and Shauna's sister Kasey, for the first time, while we "tweeted" it up amongst champagne and cupcakes. Tweeting pays off people, look what Amanda and I won!
Thank you to my sis who took all the photos of me (in my favourite cobalt dress)!
I'm happy to announce that Lux Bond & Green would like to give one lucky reader of Hogger & Co. a $75 gift card for Lux Bond & Green!
To enter, simply follow the instructions below!
Contest ends at 12:01am EST Monday June 25, 2012
A winner will be picked at random! Good luck!
There's always so much inspiration on the www. Not surprisingly, Pinterest plays a huge roll in giving me my daily dose of inspiration. I came across this image and thought to try it out, myself! And with Anjolee Diamonds sending me beautiful studs, like these diamond stud earrings, I was ready to play a glam roll. Take a gander at Anjolee Jewelry; they make high-end custom jewelry like hoop earrings, and diamond tennis bracelets that add that extra something to any outfit or hairstyle.
Here's my how-to on getting your hair retro chic, and if you have bangs like me, don't worry about them falling out of the clip.
As seen in Santorini, stripes galore!
I definitely pack a straw fedora whenever I can. It's perfectly suited for any summer vacation and goes well with anything from shorts to dresses. Speaking of shorts, these are coming with me!
Other vacation staples for me? Bright colours and comfy shoes. And, if you're looking for good vacation shoes, be sure to check out Clare's post. I also recommend these.
I'm off to Disney World but you can follow me via Instagram (hoggerandco) or Twitter, as I'll be using both while I'm there!
Location:
The South End Buttery + SOWA Market, Boston
I'm always up for any blogger meetup ops, or meet-ops, and one such opportunity arose when Elizabeth from Miami tweeted that she was going to be in Boston this past weekend. A glorious plan to meet on Sunday morning at the Southend Buttery, then head to the SOWA market, was born.
Here's how Anna, Natalie, Melissa, Elizabeth and I spent our Sunday morning. We even ran into Anne from Adjewelry who has a jewelry shop at SOWA. I purchased a pretty bracelet for my niece's upcoming birthday.
And thank you Anna for the following Instagram:
Here's the item I purchased for my niece from Anne's SOWA shop:
And here's Anne at SOWA (via Instagram)
It's Spring so I'm checking in to see what my husband's wearing, again. I'm happy to report that it's colour!
Purple, what a royal and distinguished hue, and worn with grey, it's just a classic.
(Ben Sherman shirt, DKNY blazer, Calvin Klein tie)
